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   Although Shi Shi dogs are the most well-known folklore item, there remained an Okinawan tradition involving a sacred, yet obscure shrine that I discovered completely by accident, as we were driving back to the base. We could have missed it completely, had it not been for my keen eye. The sun had set and the sky had only a minuscule amount of light left to aid me. I remember saying, "What the hell was that? Did you see that?"  Nobody understood what I was talking about, so I received no definitive answer. I told them, "We've got to turn around." Being mysteriously drawn to do its bidding, I was beckoned to perform the sacred ritual known only to certain local island chieftains. Jumping out of the car, I instinctively knew the required protocol for the ceremony, as I assumed the position with great reverence and humility.   Please scroll down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Swine Shrine of Okinawa

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The Swine Shrine of Okinawa:   An unnamed person (with the initials Michael Allsup) is captured on film, successfully performing the somewhat controversial ceremony, known in Latin as "Besa Scrotumus de Hamus." This is the Okinawan equivalent of "Kissing the Blarney Stone." Unlike the Irish ritual, it does not bring good luck, but is rumored to rid the "Kissee" of morning mouth for the entire rice harvesting season, while causing cold sores on the lips for merely a week. Although the trade-off is well worth the rewards when executed correctly, very few modern Okinawans have the "balls" to attempt this delicate ritual and even fewer are those who would perform it during daylight hours, as evidenced by this late evening photo captured "en la Candid," due to the astute observation of our camera crew.

   Much to my disappointment, I was later told that the "Swine Shrine" was merely an icon of pork-dom, being used as a front for a meat business.

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